Manufacturing

Northwest Summers: On the cutting edge

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March 15, 2018

When a windstorm ripped through the region in fall of 2015, it left in its wake tons of yard waste from battered trees-debris destined for the dump or a burn pile. But Dallas and Kate Summers, owners of Northwest Summers, a custom art business on Spoka

Tariffs import uncertainties for some Spokane-area manufacturers

Some critics wary measure could hinder U.S. exports

March 15, 2018

Kevin Blocker

Although images show President Donald Trump surrounded by smiling aluminum and steel workers after signing two proclamations imposing tariffs on imports of aluminum and steel, some Spokane-area buyers and manufacturers of steel and aluminum say they aren

Pearson Packaging acquires robotics maker Flexicell

West Plains equipment manufacturer plans yearly acquisitions

March 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Pearson Packaging Systems, the West Plains-based maker of packaging equipment, has acquired Virginia-based robotic system integrator and automation equipment manufacturer Flexicell Inc. Michael A. Senske, Pearson Packaging president and CEO, says the pur

Highwood Global sparks life into old plant

Manufacturer expects to expand capabilities, add staff at old RAHCO site

February 1, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

A relative newcomer to the Spokane-area manufacturing sector, Highwood Global LP is developing reputation for creating big things at the former R.A. Hanson Co. industrial campus north of Hillyard, claims company president Kevin Kerr. Having grown into it

Clementine & Agnes: Creator of Color

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January 18, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Most people could probably guess that Spokane cosmetologist Robin Peltier, with her glittering skin and red-lipped smile, works with color. Peltier, 54, is the owner of Clementine & Agnes, a young company that makes and sells mineral makeup, as well as a

SmaK Plastics grows in North Idaho

Manufacturer to increase its product lines, workforce

December 21, 2017

Samantha Peone

ince leasing a shuttered Coeur d'Alene facility and moving in last April, Vancouver, Wash.-based SmaK Plastics Inc. subsidiary SmaK Products Inc. has grown its North Idaho workforce. Jonathan Smalley, company president, says SmaK Products plans next m

HiTest Sand seeks power services for smelter

Company hopes to build silicon plant near Newport

December 21, 2017

Samantha Peone

Silica Investments Inc., the parent company of Canada-based HiTest Sand Inc., earlier this week submitted to the Pend Oreille County Public Utility District a formal request for power services for its proposed silicon smelter south of Newport, Wash., says

Spokane Valley issues first permits for Katerra factory

Facility here will produce mass timber products

December 21, 2017

Samantha Peone

The city of Spokane Valley has issued a permit to Katerra Inc. to begin foundation work for its $35 million factory planned at 19202 E. Garland Lane. Representatives for Menlo Park, Calif.-based Katerra couldn't be reached for comment. An affiliate, K

Rohinni to light it up in 2018

LED tech maker to expand in INW, abroad next year

December 21, 2017

Having developed light-emitting diodes smaller than the eyes of ants, Coeur d'Alene-based Rohinni LLC is poised for monumental growth in 2018, CEO Matthew Gerber says. The tech engineering startup is anticipating to generate more sales both here and in

North Idaho Energy Logs Inc.: Fueling fires far and wide

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November 22, 2017

Keith Erickson

As winter approaches and outside temperatures drop, business at one remote company, North Idaho Energy Logs Inc., is blazing. Clark Fairchild, the company's co-owner and general manager, says production is on an upswing at North Idaho Energy Logs with